Firefighters battle blaze at highland timber yard

FIREFIGHTERS battled overnight to prevent a major blaze at one of Europe’s largest timber yards.

Crews were called to attend a fire within a large piece of plant machinery at BSW Timber in Corpach, Fort William, at 1.18am. Picture: Lisa McPhillips

Crews were called to attend a fire within a large piece of plant machinery at BSW Timber in Corpach, Fort William, at 1.18am.

Group Manager Pat McElhinney, who attended the incident, said: “On arrival crews were met with a large 15 ton machine on fire close to hundreds of tonnes of wood chip.

“Three weeks previously both GM McElhinney and Watch Manager Chris Findlay had attended a site visit at BSW and were well aware of the risks, hazards and location of water supplies on the site.

“Having secured a water supply crews were deployed in breathing apparatus to attack the fire. In addition to water firefighters predominantly used foam in a sustained attack on the fire, which prevented further fire spread and knocked the flames back.”

GM McElhinney added: “Both crews from Fort William did an excellent job and their quick efforts ensured this incident did not escalate.

“The use of foam made a massive difference due to the fact that there was diesel within the fire and this quickly killed the chance of fire spread and limited the fire in the machinery until it was extinguished.

“It was excellent that crews were met at the front gate by BSW Staff who led our crews to the scene at this large site.

“All things considered this was a massive save for our crews and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service as BSW is one of the largest timber yards in Europe.”